French Regional Costumes – Bretons, Parisians and Savoyard, c.1845

About this sheet

This charming mid-19th-century hand-colored lithograph illustrates the regional diversity of traditional French costumes, taken from the rare Parisian publication Le Monde en Estampes: Types et Costumes des Principaux Peuples de l’Univers, issued around 1845–1850. The lithograph was executed by J. Bocquin after drawings by Fossey, printed by Lemercier in Paris, one of the most respected lithographic ateliers of the century. Published by Amédée Bedelet, this series presented detailed portrayals of national and regional dress from across Europe and beyond, accompanied by text by Élisabeth Müller.

The composition, labeled “Europe – France,” presents an elegant gathering of figures from various French provinces. In the foreground, a Breton couple walks proudly in their regional attire—he in a broad-brimmed hat and embroidered vest, she in a richly colored dress and traditional lace cap. To their left, a seated woman from Caux wears a tall white headpiece, while another figure represents a Marin Maconnaise from Burgundy. At the center and right, mountaineers from the High Pyrenees converse with Parisians dressed in refined city fashion, juxtaposing provincial tradition and urban modernity. A young Savoyard musician with a hurdy-gurdy completes the scene, adding movement and popular charm.

Set against a soft background of trees and classical architecture, the image captures both ethnographic detail and the picturesque ideal typical of Romantic-era costume studies. It reflects France’s fascination with regional identity during the 1840s, when local dress and custom were celebrated as part of a broader cultural heritage. The fine lithographic technique of Lemercier enhances the richness of the colors—muted blues, ochres, and greens—while delicate shading lends the scene depth and harmony.

Plates from Le Monde en Estampes are prized for their graceful composition and cultural significance, as they document regional costumes that were rapidly disappearing with industrialization and urban expansion. Today, they offer an evocative glimpse into 19th-century ethnographic art and the Romantic vision of a diverse yet unified France.

Condition report: Good condition with light age toning and scattered foxing, mainly confined to the margins. The image itself remains fresh, with strong color and clear impression. Wide margins intact.

Framing tips: This lively print pairs well with an ivory or pale cream mat and a gilt or natural oak frame. For a more classic presentation, a narrow black or dark walnut frame provides a refined contrast that emphasizes the vivid costumes.